Umaya is a PhD researcher at James Cook University, developing sustainable sensing technologies to detect trace metals in water. Her work combines green chemistry and nanomaterials to create low-cost, innovative solutions that support environmental monitoring and human health.
By turning human hair waste into a biochar-based fluorescent sensor, Umaya is helping detect metals like chromium and iron in water systems. Her research contributes to safer, more sustainable water practices and demonstrates how science and circular economy thinking can solve real-world challenges.
Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Chemistry)
Umaya studied a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) (Honours) before beginning her PhD in geochemistry at James Cook University. Her path combines chemistry, sustainability and real-world problem solving. There’s more than one way to step into a research career in resources – from studying geology or chemistry to environmental science or engineering.
